‘’Training young men and women to make a difference by preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Guadalupe’’

I, Rod Myer, am a product of the churches of Christ in the southern USA having been raised in Dasher, Georgia. I am familiar with many “great” preachers who have lived and died. However, I can say, other than Marshall Keeble, I have never known any evangelist who has done more for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ than Jean Robert St. Hilaire of Haiti, and he is not finished. I met JR over 30 years ago when he was in his 20’s, just beginning to preach the gospel. Unfortunate circumstances put him in a position of leadership at a very young age.

I was there when we met in a small house near a canal on Delmas 40 (one of the main roads through Port au Prince). There may have been 20 people there that Sunday. It was the beginning of one of the most successful evangelistic churches that has ever been planted. Today that small band of brothers and sisters has grown to a church of over 2000-but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Had it not been for 1) economic and political conditions that spread people often to find work in other areas; 2) an earthquake in 2010 that killed over 250,000 in one day and displaced thousands throughout Haiti and other countries; 3) and the intentional sending out of dozens of evangelists trained in the school of preaching in Port au Prince, who along with JR have established over 250 churches around the world, including places like Paris, New York, Boston, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Guadeloupe, and many others, this church would number in the many thousands. As I get older and continue to travel to Haiti at least once per year, it seems that Jean Robert is not slowing down. People are still being baptized and churches are being planted.

But, to me there are two facts that leave me sad regarding this ministry. First, that Jean Robert is not known as Marshall Keeble is. In our day and age, we have a prince of evangelism among us and yet he is hardly noticed. His experience and skill should be shared with others who could learn so much from him. Second, this ministry has been so poorly financially supported.

It is amazing what has been accomplished with so little. Of course, there are those who have faithfully supported this work through the years, not the least of which is the Northeast Church of Christ in Kingsport, TN who oversee the school of preaching work. But, I know how much more could be accomplished if we were able to provide 1) more financial security for Jean Robert’s family (he has a son who is near graduating from Heritage Christian University, a married daughter, and a eight year old, and his beautiful wife Shirley); 2) a work fund for travel and helping the new church plants get off to a good start.

Mission work is always affected by politics. This is especially true in so-called third world countries like Haiti. This past weekend the country was shut down by rioting. The focus of the protest was against the president who is suspected of embezzling millions of dollars. It appears that many Haitians have simply had enough. Pray for a just and peaceful resolution so that the country can prosper, and the gospel can be spread without fear. Speaking of the work in Haiti, plans are being made to return to Guadeloupe this summer, and then another trip to the Dominican Republic. A new church is being planted in Paris, France. Just this year three new churches have been planted in Haiti and the DR.

Pray for Jean Robert and the great work he and his team are doing. People are begging for Bibles, more discipleship training, and more logistic support. CMI is committed to seeing the gospel spread. (Central Missions International - www. centralsarasota.org).
We are in full support of Jean Robert.

Here is my appeal in this newsletter: Would you like to be a part of one of the most successful and productive evangelistic movements of the 21st century by providing regular support for this ministry. The Central Church of Christ in connection with the elders of the Delmas 43 Eglise du Christ in Port au Prince will make sure these funds are put to good use.

Here’s how you can help:
You can donate by calling or contacting our overseer Elders,

Sam Ross: sam@securemoneymasters.com,
Richard Bonner: rtbonner@charter.net,
Larry Luethke: lluethke@charter.net,
Rod Myers: rod.myers@centralsarasota.org,

 disciplesforhaiti@comcast.net

Or mail your checks to: The Northeast Church of Christ, 2217 Beechnut Dr. Kingsport, TN 37660.

Thanks for all you do in season and out of season, you mean a lot in the Lord’s Kingdom. If you are not yet a supporter, please insert this mission-work in your budget for the years to come. We’d like to hear from you as soon as you can.

Sincerely,

Rod Myers

Stay committed, blessed and mission-minded!

Jean Robert St-Hilaire.